Thomas & Friends: Classic Collection - Series 2

There are many great things about this DVD. The episodes are about 5 minutes long; enough to hold a toddler's attention withut boredom setting in. The narration (Ringo Starr) is clear, and beautifully done. The animation is lovely.

What we don't like: The slightly awkward menu; you can choose one episode, or play all of them from the beginning. There is no option to start halfway through and play all episodes from there. the result is that the first 10 or so get watched a lot, and the rest get ignored.

Overall, its brilliant. No little Thomas fan should be without it (and no irritating American accents, either!)


Just as good as the first series   May 29, 2005
10 out of 11 found this review helpful

First shown in 1986, Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends bounced back with a second series after its equal success in 1984 when the show first started on television. Ringo Starr returns to the role of storyteller for the next twenty-six episodes filled with more disputes, acccidents and mishaps galore on this DVD.

There are more new characters in each story like Donald & Douglas the Scottish twins, Bill & Ben the twins who work at the China Clay works, Harold the Helicopter, Trevor the Traction Engine, Boco the Diesel, Duck the Great Western Engine, etc.

My favourite episodes on the disc are Break Van where Douglas is disliked by a nasty break van and Donald teaches him to show his twin a bit more respect, Thomas Comes to Breakfast where Thomas ends up popping through the Stationmaster's house one morning when his family are having breakfast, Percy's Predicament in which Percy has an accident thanks to some trucks who like to cause trouble and A Close Shave in which Duck crashes through yet another building, mainly a barber's and has his face smothered with shaving foam.

Well I mustn't give away any more details about the episodes because you won't want to watch them after reading this, enjoy the series and reminiscing about your childhood!


Another fantastic collection   May 27, 2005
Robert's Mummy (Oxfordshire, UK)
11 out of 12 found this review helpful

The first Thomas DVD from the original series was a great hit with my son (nearly 2), and this second series is just as popular. Narrated by Ringo Starr, you don't have to put up with the irritating Americanisms of the later DVDs. The models are great and it makes superb viewing for any little fan.

There are 26 episodes, each around 5 minutes long, so this is very good value, and doesn't tax a toddler's concentration span too much either! The menu allows you to play straight through or choose an episode.

Highly recommended!